Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southwood Acres, CT (Mar 2023)
- Southwood Acres Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
- 25-Year Savings: $17,827
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southwood Acres
We go over average solar pricing in Southwood Acres.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southwood Acres it's 2.8 per watt. Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Southwood Acres, the average price of going solar will be about $9,192 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Southwood Acres homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Southwood Acres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,112 |
| 3 years | $-5,950 |
| 5 years | $-3,789 |
| 7 years | $-1,627 |
| 9 years | $535 |
| 11 years | $2,696 |
| 13 years | $4,858 |
| 15 years | $7,019 |
| 17 years | $9,181 |
| 19 years | $11,342 |
| 21 years | $13,504 |
| 23 years | $15,666 |
| 25 years | $17,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Southwood Acres
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Southwood Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southwood Acres
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,800 per kilowatt in Southwood Acres. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Southwood Acres average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Southwood Acres to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Southwood Acres homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.91 | $12,230 | $22,304 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,052 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,957 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,019 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,237 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,613 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,145 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,834 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Southwood Acres, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southwood Acres?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Southwood Acres?
You can't get solar panels for free in Southwood Acres. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,151.14 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.